The Spurs are going into their 16th game of the season without all three of their franchise stars of the future. There haven't been any changes to that side of the fence. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper will miss the Suns game, along with Jordan McLaughlin. They're on a three-game winning streak, but their success will be challenged by the only team to beat them by more than 10 points this season.
Phoenix hasn't released a full injury report yet, but we know that Jalen Green is going to be out for a few more weeks. He pulled his hamstring after only playing two games for his brand-new team this season. Dillon Brooks did not play the last game, but unless we're blindsided by something previously unreported, he'll be ready to go this time.
Grayson Allen was labeled day-to-day after injuring his quad recently. He missed their game Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and if he can't go, that's a major benefit for the Spurs. Allen is shooting a blistering 44% from three, helping to lift their squad to the fourth most efficient three-point shooting team in the league. However, whether he goes or not, SA must be ready for a fight.
Spurs can turn the tide on Phoenix's recent success
After some early struggles, the Suns are proving that they're a real threat in the Western Conference. They're 7-2 at home, and they've won eight of their last ten games. The Spurs were riding on a high when they showed up in their old 2000s rivals' town, only for Phoenix to shut down the party like a noise complaint in a suburban neighborhood.
They'll look to do the same again, and this time they won't have to deal with Victor Wembanyama. Fortunately for San Antonio, De'Aaron Fox has found his stride. He's been playing well, and they'll need that to continue, as the Suns' game plan will be focused on slowing him down and challenging the Silver and Black's ball handlers with so many guys out.
With players like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Royce O'Neale, and Ryan Dunn, they're going to look to play physically on the perimeter, switching everything, attempting to disrupt the offense. On the other side, they'll work on breaking guys down off the dribble and getting into the paint for a kickout three. It'll be a little easier for them without Vic to wade them off.
San Antonio can't afford to give up points in the paint and too many threes. They'll have to find a way to cut the water off from at least one of those attacks. If they don't, this game could get out of hand. Keeping Booker in check will be key to preventing an offensive avalanche, but it's much easier said than done, especially without Stephon Castle.
They have to stop the Spurs, too, though. This won't be a one-sided affair. SA's balanced attack will make it difficult for Phoenix to lock in on stopping one guy. As long as the game is tight at the end, Fox and Harrison Barnes have already proven that they can bring it home. It would be a perfect way to start this four-game road trip because it gets much harder.